`Where's The Issue?' Dania Voters Are Asking

DANIA BEACH — Two years ago, some controversial issues dominated the municipal election, which featured seven candidates who were vying for three seats on the City Commission.

There was pressure on two incumbents who had voted to support the expansion of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

First-time candidate Jim Cali, a Broward Sheriff's Office official who is now the city's mayor, was accused then of being overly supportive of the Sheriff's Office.

And Commissioner Bob Mikes, Cali's nemesis, was pressing his case against the Sheriff's Office's effort to open a correctional center in Dania Beach.

In contrast, many voters are trying to pick out one issue in the two days before voters decide which four candidates will continue to battle for two commission seats in the run-off election next month. In Tuesday's primary election, voters initially will have a choice of six candidates.

Even Commissioner Bill Hyde, who surprised the community when he suddenly pulled out of the race last month, is struggling to find an issue.

"Is there really an issue?" he said. "It's just awfully non-issue driven this year."

The pool of candidates competing in the primary consists of incumbent John Bertino, former commissioners Bobbie H. Grace and C.K. "Mac" McElyea, June Silvernale, Clara Randall and Joseph E. Smith.

Though there seem to be no issues, a lot of campaign money has been raised in the city of 17,000 residents.

As of Jan. 29, Bertino had raised $17,000; Grace, $13,000; Silvernale, $9,000; and McElyea, $6,000. Randall raised less than $500.

The turnout among the city's 10,182 registered voters is expected to be between 15 and 25 percent.

Bertino, Grace, McElyea, Randall and Silvernale are longtime residents, and all have been involved in community service. They all belong to crimewatch and political associations and have expressed concerns about crime in Dania Beach.

During a candidates' forum held Thursday at City Hall by the League of Women Voters of Broward County, the candidates spoke about what they would do to solve drug and prostitution problems and implement youth-oriented programs.

All five generally support a bond issue to pay for projects such as drainage and sewer improvements, and recreational services. If elected, they would work with property owners to renovate buildings in the downtown area in hopes of attracting new businesses to boost the city's tax base.

No information was available on Smith's background because he did not return a questionnaire submitted to him by the Sun-Sentinel. He did not attend the forum.

All six candidates are running at-large. The four highest vote-getters will compete for two commission seats in the March 9 runoff.

The fact that Hyde is not seeking re-election guarantees that at least one of the five challengers will serve on the commission.

Bertino, who has been on the commission for 24 years, is asking voters for another four years.

Cali, however, said "it's time for a change."

Cali is endorsing Silvernale, who helped him campaign two years ago. He also gave $200 to Randall's campaign.

Hyde, who is calling for some racial diversity on the all-white commission, is endorsing Grace, who is black, and McElyea. But Hyde said he has not donated financial contributions to Grace and McElyea. Nor will he campaign for them.

Mikes advises voters to look at candidates' records before they vote.

Hyde said people should ask: "Why are you running? What makes you different from the other five people?"